Research: Read the company’s About/Values, what they do, who they serve, and the role page.
Write 3 keywords to mirror (e.g., accuracy, client service, collaboration).
Choose your strengths: Pick 2–3 skills that match the role.
Build 3 STAR stories (Situation • Task • Action • Result):
Accuracy/Detail (Banking/Audit, KPMG/National Bank)
Organization/Communication (HR/Accounting, Ainsworth)
Initiative/Learning (Tech-leaning Accounting, Kwantum; Marketing/Events, CFA/Eatable)
Quantify: Add one number to each story (counts, %, time saved, $0 variance, on-time).
Logistics: Confirm location/meeting link, route/ETA (arrive 5–10 min early).
Materials: Resume (2 copies), role posting, list of questions, notebook/pen.
Tech check (virtual): Camera, mic, background, name set to “First Last (TDSB)”.
Now: “I’m a Grade [11/12] student interested in [role], strong in [skill 1] and [skill 2].”
Past: “In [class/club/job], I [action + tool] and achieved [result + number].”
Future: “I’m excited about [company/team] because [reason], and I’m available [AM/PM, semester].”
Tell me about a time you showed accuracy.
“In Gr 11 Accounting, I did a bank reconciliation; created a 5-step checklist and reached $0 variance.”
How do you handle deadlines?
“For a club event with 100 attendees, I made a run-of-show and 3 checkpoints; we finished on time.”
Example of improving a process.
“I built a SUMIF budget tracker; cut follow-up emails by 25% and wrote a 1-page SOP.”
If you don’t know an answer:
“I’d clarify the goal, check the process/docs, try a small test in Sheets, and ask a focused question.”
Clear steps (“First I…, then I…”), documentation (checklists, files), numbers, professional tone, confidentiality.
6) Questions to Ask (Smart & Genuine)
Why it matters: Shows real curiosity and helps you learn how this team works—beyond what’s on the website.
Do this: Bring two–three short, team-specific questions you couldn’t find online. A nice opener is:
“I read your website about X. For this team, could you share Y? I’d use that to Z in week one.”
Avoid: anything already answered on the site (basic “what do you do?”), overly broad (“What’s your culture?”), or off-limits topics.
Great question examples
What would a great first two weeks look like for a co-op on this team?
What are the top 2 mistakes new students make here—and how can I avoid them?
How do you prefer updates from a student (frequency, format, example of a perfect update)?
How do you keep files and naming organized so people can find things fast?
How do you handle confidentiality in any practice habits you want me to follow?
If I get stuck, what’s the best way to ask for help here?
Re-state availability (AM/PM, semester) + enthusiasm:
“I’m available PM, Semester 2 and excited to contribute—thank you for your time.”
Thank-you email: one short paragraph: what you enjoyed, 1 skill you’ll bring, availability.
Reflect: jot what went well/what to improve; update your teacher on outcomes/next steps.
9) Quick Checklist (Bring/Do)
☐ Role & company reviewed
☐ 3 STAR stories with numbers
☐ Questions prepared
☐ Resume + notes printed (or PDF ready)
☐ Tech/background checked (virtual)
☐ Route & outfit set (in-person)
☐ Calendar holds for interview weeks
☐ Thank-you sent within 24 hrs